PRESERVATION
ASCENDANT HERITAGE
Ascendant Heritage
In June 2017, AND, MDG Design + Construction (MDG), the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced the closing of the Ascendant Heritage Apartments, a $34 million project to rehabilitate 359 apartments and six commercial spaces across 21 buildings in the AND portfolio.
The Ascendant Heritage Apartments are four, five, and six-story apartment buildings serving low- and very low- income residents. AND acquired the properties from the City of New York and private owners in the 1990s, and rehabilitated them through a variety of city and state affordable housing programs.
After years of use, these buildings required a new round of renovations to make them more comfortable, functional, sustainable, and resilient to climate change. We have also restructured and refinanced the buildings to ensure the long-term affordability of these homes.
The rehabilitation, which was completed in 2020, did not require our residents to relocate or their rents to increase. The renovations include new roofs, windows, and kitchens; energy efficient boilers; upgrades to entryways, lobbies, and public hallways; new intercom and key fob entry systems; and façade repairs.
As part of the renovation strategy, we evaluated opportunities to employ solar technology to take advantage of its cost-saving potential and environmental benefits. AND, with the help of Solar One, installed 197 kilowatts-DC of solar capacity across four of the largest buildings, generating approximately 236,840 kwh per year — enough to offset common area electricity usage in those buildings and several others in the Ascendant Heritage cluster.
AND will be able to save over $100,000 in energy costs over the next 25 years, which can fund improvements throughout our portfolio while advancing AND’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
In August 2021, Affordable Housing Finance Magazine nominated Ascendant Heritage for it’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Award for Best in Preservation. Thanks to our amazing supporters, we won! The project was featured in their July/August 2021 issue.
Links:
AHF Magazine Best in Preservation Award
NYCHA PACT
NYCHA PACT Partners Round 10:
Metro North Plaza + GAYLORD White Houses
Ascendant Neighborhood Development has partnered with The Community Builders to bring comprehensive repairs, new property management, and social services, all while maintaining affordable rent and resident protections at Metro North Plaza Houses and Gaylord White Houses.
NYCHA PACT Partners Round 11:
JACKIE ROBINSON & HARLEM SCATTERED SITES
Ascendant Neighborhood Development has partnered with Vaya Development for the rehabilitation of the Jackie Robinson and Harlem Scattered Sites NYCHA portfolio. The project includes the redevelopment of 1050 affordable apartments over ten individual NYCHA sites.
Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT)
The Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program aims to provide comprehensive renovations, improved property management, and expanded on-site social services to selected NYCHA developments. As the Development Partners, we will handle comprehensive repairs, property management, and enhanced services, with NYCHA retaining ownership and oversight. The Community Planning Process involves resident engagement to shape the rehabilitation plan and ensure residents’ needs and priorities are addressed throughout the project.
